Pete Wishart: Public meeting to discuss the future of the City Halls

Jan 13 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

THE debate about Perth's City Hall continues apace and the poll and letters published in Friday's PA show that the people of Perth remain as divided as ever on the future of this iconic, but now forlorn, building. A small minority now favour the demolition of the hall, but the many passionate letters in support of the building that I have seen suggest a real affection for the heritage and history of the building.

I have been involved in the debate about the city hall since it first kicked off back in 2005. I recall the impressive campaign to retain the building when the first suggestion of demolition was floated. I recall the letters I saw (quite similar to those this time round) which talked of the place that the city hall held in the community life of Perth. There were also those who were appalled that a listed building should even be considered for demolition. Then there were people, primarily city centre retailers, who advocated that the building be pulled down and a city square put in its place.

When it became clear that a majority were in favour of retention, Perth and Kinross Council then initiated the competition to secure a new use for the building that was duly won by Wharfside. Say what you want about the outcome, but it was a fantastic piece of community consultation that gave everybody their say.

Since then, things have of course moved on. Wharfside's delays and prevarications have been immensely frustrating and I remember that when all others were silent, I directly challenged Wharfside on this delay. Their response to me only made me more concerned about their intentions. Wharfside, though, have once again restated their intention to commence the work and they have been given one more chance. This time it must be their last!

Meanwhile, it is right and proper that the people of Perth express their view on the hall's future and I have been impressed with the PA's campaign on this issue.

That is why I am planning to hold a public meeting on the city hall's future, where I will bring together all the views and opinions about the future of the hall and also the main protagonists. I want to give the people of Perth the opportunity to put their views directly on this issue and help determine a way forward.

The meeting will be in the AK Bell auditorium on January 29 and I will list the speakers later this week. If you have an interest in our city centre I very much hope to see you there. Your views on this issue are important.